About books, reading, the power of fiction, some music, some movies. These are my opinions, my thoughts, my views. There is much wisdom afloat in the world and I like finding it in books. Communicating about wisdom found keeps it from getting lost.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

FROG WENT A COURTIN'

In honor of the birth of my grandniece early this morning, I will give you a picture book review today. The Caldecott winner for 1956 was illustrated by Feodor Rojankovsky with some pages in green and black, others in full color. The style is pen and crayons. Something about the eyes of all the animals and insects give them a human look, similar to the Mickey Mouse of the time.

Frog goes a courtin' and marries Mouse. The text is an old Scottish tune which Langstaff wrote up by combining different versions. He was an American folk musician and educator as well as the founder of "Christmas Revels," a Solstice and Christmas stage show which involved the audience in singing and dancing and has been performed annually since the 1970s. Susan Cooper, author of the Dark is Rising series, was a friend to Langstaff and a writer for "Christmas Revels."

Back in the day, when I used to teach music to help cover the tuition at the Montessori school where I sent my boys, I taught this song. Later I wrote my own courtin' song called "No Promises," for my future and current husband. Courtin's songs are very powerful.

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ONCE UPON A TIME BOOKSTORE

This blog is linked to Once Upon A Time Bookstore in Montrose, CA, where I worked for several years. It is primarily a resource for customers to read my book reviews but anyone can now order books from the store via my blog. For store events, reading group schedules and other store info please visit the website.

You can now order any title reviewed here (as long as it is in print) in various formats including ebook. To order directly from Once Upon A Time, use the link at the bottom of the post. To order or find the book at your nearest local independent store, click on the book cover image at the top of the post.